These NFL teams have disappointed the most in 2023
These NFL teams have disappointed the most in 2023

But a lot of clubs have underperformed; as of Week 11, just three teams had lost two or fewer games. In light of this, let’s examine two teams from each league that have fallen short of expectations relative to the others.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons were considered a dark horse to win the NFC South, which seemed to be up for grabs, going into the 2023 season. But they may be regressing in addition to playing badly during the first part of their schedule.
The Falcons are 3-6 going into Week 11, despite the potential of second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder and notable gains on the defensive side of the ball with the additions of safety Jessie Bates III, defensive end Calais Campbell, and edge rusher Bud Dupree. What’s even more concerning is that through ten games, the Falcons have only faced four playoff teams from the previous season.
Since starting the season with two consecutive wins over the Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers, the Falcons are just 2-6 and have lost three straight heading into their bye week.
After making eight starts, Ridder failed to live up to expectations and was benched in favor of Taylor Heinicke. The only quarterback this season with fewer touchdown passes than Ridder (six) is Zach Wilson of the Jets, who has started at least six games. Wilson has thrown five.
QB uncertainty is just one of the problems plaguing a Falcons club that doesn’t seem to know who they are or where they’re going. There is, nevertheless, a ray of hope for this season. Despite having one of the easiest schedules left in the NFL, the Falcons started the season with the second-easiest strength of schedule according to Pro Football Focus, which did not benefit them.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills are possibly the most disappointing of the four clubs on this list. In addition to being the favorites to win the AFC East, many, including NBC Sports’ Peter King, thought the Bills would represent the league in Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.
The Bills are the perfect example of a good squad that just doesn’t know how to win; they have been extremely inconsistent throughout the season. The Bills are eighth in the NFL in terms of points scored (262) and fifth in terms of points allowed (184), but they have not fared well when tested. The Bills have only won two of Buffalo’s ten games; the other seven have been decided by a score of one or less.
After opening the year with an overtime loss to the New York Jets, the Bills looked like the team we all expected, recording three-straight blowout victories over the Las Vegas Raiders (38-10), Washington Commanders (37-3) and Miami Dolphins (48-20).
However, since then, the Bills have lost four of their last six games by an average of four points per game. The Bills may boast a skill-filled roster, but they’ve found ways to beat themselves at every turn.
Following another sloppy effort in a 24-22 Week 10 loss to the suddenly dangerous Denver Broncos, the Bills made a drastic move to shake things up. The Bills decided to fire offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey even though the team ranks in the top ten in third down conversion percentage (second), red zone touchdown percentage (second), yards per play (fourth), yards per rush (fifth), total QBR (sixth) and points per game (eighth). Maybe the move inspires a second-half turnaround, but if not, more change for the franchise might be in store.
Cincinnati Bengals
After trips to the Super Bowl and the conference championship game in consecutive seasons, the Bengals were a popular choice to come out of the AFC. Yet, it’s been tough sailing for the Bengals, who, despite a recent four-game win streak, find themselves looking up at the rest of the AFC North at 5-4 heading into Week 11.
Led by QB Joe Burrow, the Bengals offense has struggled mightily to find a rhythm, ranked 24th in the NFL in yards per play (4.9), 29th in passing (8.8 YPC) and 28th in rushing (3.6). Meanwhile, Cincinnati’s defense hasn’t fared much better, allowing opponents to gain 6.4 yards per play, 31st in the league.
The Bengals did go on the aforementioned four-game win streak following a 1-3 start, which included wins over the San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills. However, the issues plaguing the Bengals have seemingly yet to be resolved.
In Week 10, they lost to rookie QB sensation C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans, 30-27. The Bengals allowed the 28th-ranked Texans rushing attack to run for 188 yards while giving up 356 yards through the air.
With eight games left on their schedule, the Bengals must quickly figure out who they are. Their remaining opponents are 43-23 combined, including matchups against the Baltimore Ravens, whom they’ve already lost to, the Cleveland Browns (6-3), Jacksonville Jaguars (6-3), defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs and two contests against the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3).
If they can’t find a way to turn their fortunes around, they could be on the outside looking in at the playoff picture before the season reaches Week 18.
New York Giants
While not universally panned as a contender in the NFC, many believed the Giants would at least push for a playoff berth coming out of the NFC East. However, not only is the postseason a pipe dream at 2-8 entering Week 11, but a bright future doesn’t appear to be on the horizon.
Before suffering a torn ACL, Daniel Jones looked far from being a franchise quarterback to build around. Nevertheless, they’re stuck with Jones through at least 2024 ($36M guaranteed) after inking him to a four-year, $160M extension. Also, they might have to use the franchise tag to keep star running back Saquon Barkley, who will hit the open market again this offseason.
On top of those issues, head coach Brian Daboll is seemingly on the brink of losing his team as frustration builds. During the Giants 49-17 blowout loss to the rival Dallas Cowboys in Week 10, several animated conversations broke out between players, coaches and Daboll, signaling that not all is right in New York.
In 2022, all but one of the Giants wins came by eight points or less, while they’re 2-2-1 in the same situation this season. They’ve also struggled on both sides of the football, ranked 32nd in offense (118 PF) and 29th in defense (226 PA).
Heading into Week 11, the Giants have lost three in a row and seven of their last nine while only the Carolina Panthers (1-8) have a worse record in the NFL. However, the Giants don’t appear ready to make changes. They’re reportedly preparing to bring the whole gang back, Daboll and Jones included, for 2024, per insider Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report.